Summer Fun

We have had fun while traveling this summer. Our first stop was at Silver Lake State Park where we TENT camped with our family. Haven't tented for years and found out that our tent needs to be re-waterproofed. Still it is a good tent and kept us pretty dry through all the rain. At the last minute we decided to bring Bailey and Holly. It was challenging with the rain; what to do with two wet sandy pups? Dom had his own challenges with equipment breakdowns.....not to many dune rides this year. I think he was more bummed about it than anyone. We did visit the Silver Lake Lighthouse and for the first time were able to climb up inside. That was pretty cool. We shared some amazing smore combinations around the campfires-even in the rain! My mother in law was so kind and brought extra food for us so we wouldn't have to bring cooking gear and coolers. She is the best! Wouldn't even let me clean up!! The last night we had movie night and watched RV. It was a big hit and I think a new camping tradition. My favorite part was a surprise visit from our music teacher, Mr. Abbott and his wife. My siblings hadn't seen him in over 20 years. He is still just as much fun as when we were growing up.

We left Michigan and headed for Chicago. Jim had a conference which left me time to explore the city. The first day I made my way to the wonderful store, Ikea. I LOVE that store! The next day I made my way downtown with another conference wife and her niece. I was so nervous about trying to figure out public transportation and finding my way around. Turns out my IPhone was a huge help. It would give the bus route to get me where I wanted to be and all sorts of other helpful information. I really couldn't have done it without my IPhone. We took a taxi to the train station, then the train downtown, then several trips on the bus, another taxi to the restaurant, the subway back downtown, the train back to the suburbs, and a shuttle back to the hotel. I was pretty proud of myself! We saw Millennium Park, Grant Park, Taste of Chicago, Navy Pier, and ate at a Peruvian restaurant. I can't wait to go back-so much to see and do. The following two days I shopped a bit at the mall and hung out by the pool and read. Had beautiful weather in Chicago.

My last trip was a cruise to Key West and Cozumel. I traveled with a girlfriend-don't think Jim would have enjoyed it too much. We had a beautiful suite with a private balcony. We watched a movie on deck the first evening. It was kind of like being at a drive in theater. The next day we went into Key West and hopped on and off a trolley tour. Learned a little history, heard some stories, saw some neat homes. That night after dinner, we danced the night away to 70's and 80's music and took in a musical show. We were in Cozumel most of the next day and we spent our time at the beach. Very relaxing. Our last day was a fun day at sea, and we enjoyed lots of time lounging around the pool, cheering for the Hairy Chest Contest, and watching them carve an ice sculpture. After one last wonderful dinner in the dining room, we went to a bar and sang karaoke. A cruise isn't something I would want to do again and again, but with the right people it would be a fun trip occasionally.

So that was the fun. The rest of the summer has been hot, hard, and messy.

HOT-we are in our 3-4 week of high temps and high humidity. Hard to get anything accomplished in this weather. Even the dogs refuse to go out when you open the door and it's like a furnace blast. We got our shed, but it has been so miserable we haven't spent much time moving stuff out there. Anything you have to do takes extra effort and leaves you feeling wrung out.

HARD-work has been very challenging for me this year. Not enough help and the exhaustion that comes from trying to provide good customer service to all those people. I honestly don't know how much longer I can go at this pace. Many unresolved frustrations also.

MESSY-Jim's plant has been flooded all summer and will probably not be ready to go back online until late fall. Consequently, he has been put back on shift work. That has added to my HARD, because his schedule conflicts with my schedule. We have only been camping twice this summer. He also has big chunks of time off, which he loves, but I hate. He doesn't do anything which is a huge energy zapper for me.

Things are looking up though! Summer Reading Program has ended!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are going camping at the lake next week! This heat wave has to end sometime!

Nate has been working hard, picking up extra shifts. He is also doing great about keeping track of his schedule and getting to work on time. He can learn! His paychecks look much better and he is finally getting back on track financially. He cut his finger at work while I was on my cruise and needed 5 stitches.

Noah is doing well. He had a problem with his ear after a firecracker exploded too close over the 4th. Went to the doctor (for the first time since he's been in college) and is doing better. He came home for a wedding this weekend and we went suit shopping. We got him some beautiful suits for 70% off. Hopefully they will help him land that job and that girl!

What fun have you been up to this summer?